The Government offers only aspirations for a vague security partnership – Diane Abbott

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to Ben Wallace’s comments on the Brexit security deal at the International Security Expo, said:

“These are dangerously flimsy documents.

“There is no new security treaty on offer, which is vital for cross-border policing arrangements especially extradition. Our access to policing and justice databases are also likely to be compromised without a new security treaty. There is too only the vaguest reference to many of the other vital tools that police here and in Europe use to tackle international terrorism and organised crime.

“The Government offers only aspirations for a vague security partnership, no plans for proper security arrangements, including with Europol.

“It is simply unacceptable. This is a bad deal for the country and fails on guarantees for security. Anyone who cares about our ability to tackle international crime should vote against Theresa May’s deal.”